I am completing my final semester as a Mechanical Engineering student, and need a few ideas.

One of my final projects is the optimization of a mechanical system of my choice. I will be using CAD and finite element analysis software to complete stress analysis of a system.

Basically I am looking for cycling-related topics that I could investigate. I had a couple thoughts, but am looking for other ideas.

-Shaving weight off an existing crankset with machining processes (from an end mill for example), yet still retaining adequate strength and stiffness. Make your Sora cranks as light as 105 or Ultegra.

-Different style cantilever brakes. Something like an old-school canti with more stopping power.

Anyone have suggestions? It's a real open ended project; I just need to find some area of a component that needs improvement, then provide suggestions based on my computer simulations.